CHICAGO — Fans at Wrigley Field unleashed a chorus of boos directed at Los Angeles Dodgers players during a three-game series in which the Chicago Cubs swept their National League rivals. The hostility was particularly notable toward right fielder Kyle Tucker, who returned to the Cubs’ home ballpark for the first time since signing a four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers during the offseason.

Despite the jeers aimed his way, Tucker was measured in his response following Monday’s game. When asked about the reception from Cubs fans, he expressed appreciation for his time in Chicago, noting the positive relationships he developed and the talent still present on the team. “I liked playing here last year,” Tucker said. “There were some really great guys over there, and they have a good team. So it’s nice being back and playing here. I liked it.”

Tucker declined to directly address the boos but acknowledged the effort he gave during his final season with the Cubs. He recalled playing through injuries, including a hand fracture and calf issues, in an attempt to help the team reach the playoffs. “I tried my hardest last year. I tried playing through a hand fracture and calf thing, just trying to get back to the playoffs for them and trying to do what I could to help out the team last year,” he said.

The Dodgers had recently bolstered their roster by acquiring two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the World Series. Despite this, the Cubs dominated the series, sweeping the favored Dodgers in three games and amplifying the intensity of the crowd’s reaction.

Tucker, who began last season with a strong offensive performance before being sidelined by injuries, continues to be a focal point for both teams’ fans. His presence in Chicago remains a subject of attention amid the ongoing rivalry between the Dodgers and Cubs.